More Than What You See is an inspirational collection of reflections, art, poetry, and photography by John P. Creveling. It is a book that encourages readers to consider their lives, enjoy every moment, and persevere even when life’s challenges may make that difficult. Having been married to John for 27 years, I know he is a positive person open to all life has to offer. I have always appreciated his beautiful photographs and learned, only in recent years, that he writes beautiful poetry. Several years ago he started to draw and paint and he has included some of his paintings in his book. John’s creativity has been a joy to watch unfold.In March, 2009, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder. Presently, there is no cure. Perhaps the greatest indicator of fortitude and courage is how a person faces news of loss or disease. From the moment John learned he was one of the over one million people in the U.S. (seven to ten million people worldwide) who have PD, he has been proactively managing his disease through information, exercise, diet and positive thinking. In July of 2015, he had Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery which reduced the medication he needs to take. John participates in research and has become active in the Parkinson’s community. At the time of John’s diagnosis a dear friend, who faced his own health challenges, gave us excellent advice: Learn all you can medically. Live well and surround yourself with joy and love every day. John has always valued personal growth, adventure, travel, and focusing on the joy of now. Parkinson’s disease has encouraged us to concentrate on the present and to appreciate all we have in our lives. When one has a progressive disease, the future is uncertain and the present is what we have right now. Actually, this is true for us all. While we may not have a physical or health challenge, our time on earth is limited. None of us know what the future holds. John savors every moment of every day. This book shows John seizing every moment and living creatively with PD. Even though Parkinson’s is a disease we both wish John did not have, we have met wonderful and creative people through the PD community. Some researchers speculate that drugs, used to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s, may stimulate creative areas of the brain and serve as a creativity pill. Whatever its source, creativity helps us manage physical challenges and become absorbed in activities that bring us joy. Research conducted on creativity suggests it helps us face the challenges of aging and provides motivation to manage various forms of dis-ease so we can continue creative activities that give life meaning. John’s book is a stellar example of the positive impact creativity can have in our lives. Creativity makes life richer. Simply put, John has the soul of an artist. I do not use the term artist just to describe his poems, painting, and photography. Rather, John considers his life, decides what it means for him, and expresses his feelings in poetry he calls reflections. I believe all of us, regardless of our philosophical or spiritual orientation, have an essence or depth that goes to the very heart of who we are. Some people might say this is our soul.
Artists consider these intangibles and translate their thoughts into works of art for others to consider, too. I believe this is what John does so beautifully in his book.It is not surprising that John’s motto has always been carpe diem, a Latin phrase which encourages us to enjoy the pleasures of the moment without being overly concerned about the future. Translated it means seize the day. John is a spectacular example of this - I know of no one who does this as well. In More Than What You See John shares some of the things he has plucked from his daily life in the hope that it will encourage you to focus on joyful aspects of your own. Carpe diem!

Christina Robertson, PhD